Attractions in Perhentian & East Coast Islands
Crystal clear water, sea turtles, and barefoot island life 🐢🏝️
Showing 13 attractions · Sorted by importance
Federal Route 3 (Terengganu Coastal Road)
📍 Kuantan
🚗 Road TripA scenic 230km paved coastal drive (4-6 hours) along the Terengganu coastline. This segment of the legendary Route 3 is celebrated as one of Asia's best road trips, passing through traditional Malay fishing villages (kampungs), palm-fringed beaches, and providing direct access to the jetties for Kapas (Marang), Redang (Merang), and the Perhentian Islands (Kuala Besut). Highlights include the Crystal Mosque in Kuala Terengganu and views of the South China Sea.
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), Perhentian Kecil
📍 Perhentian Islands
⛱ BeachA vibrant stretch of white sand and turquoise water offering excellent snorkeling and a lively atmosphere for families.
Long Beach (Pasir Panjang), Redang Island
📍 Redang Island
⛱ BeachRedang's most famous beach features soft white sand and serves as a gateway to some of the best coral reefs in Malaysia.
Perhentian Windmill Viewpoint
📍 Pulau Perhentian Kecil
🏛 LandmarkAn iconic hiking destination featuring two prominent windmills and a wooden staircase offering stunning panoramic views of the island's turquoise coastline.
Redang Marine Park Centre
📍 Pulau Redang
🧗 AdventureA dedicated activity hub on Pulau Pinang offering snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, fish feeding, and marine conservation exhibits for families.
Windmill Trail
📍 Pulau Perhentian Kecil
🥾 Hiking & Cycling2.1km moderate out-and-back trail, approx 1 hour duration, 110m elevation gain. This iconic trail leads from Long Beach to a hilltop featuring wind turbines and panoramic views of the turquoise sea. No bicycle rental available on this car-free island.
Kapas Island Beaches
📍 Kapas Island
🏔 Scenic ViewA tranquil natural escape known for its laid-back atmosphere, golden sands, and exceptional water clarity right off the shore.
Pulau Bidong (Vietnamese Refugee Camp Site)
📍 Merang
🏰 CastleThis island serves as a significant memorial site featuring the ruins of a Vietnamese refugee camp that operated as a 'Little Saigon' from 1978 to 1991.
Pulau Bidong Heritage Site
📍 Pulau Bidong
🏘 Town / VillageThis educational historic site offers families a chance to explore building ruins and learn about the moving history of the Vietnamese 'Boat People'.
Bukit Singa (Lion Hill) Trail
📍 Pulau Kapas
🥾 Hiking & Cycling1.5km moderate coastal and cliff trail, approx 1 hour duration, 40m elevation gain. Known for the 'Lion's Head' rock formation and a secret blue lagoon accessible via coastal scrambling. No bicycle rental available on this car-free island.
Perhentian Marine Park Information Centre
📍 Pulau Perhentian Besar
🐠 AquariumA dedicated facility providing educational displays on the diverse coral reef ecosystems and sea turtle species found around the Perhentian Islands.
Perhentian Turtle Sanctuary
📍 Perhentian Besar
🌲 NatureA dedicated conservation beach where visitors can observe green and hawksbill turtles in their natural habitat and learn about local marine protection efforts.